In November 2025, U.S. retail sales excluding gas and autos remained steady, maintaining the same growth rate as the previous month. According to the latest data released on January 14, 2026, the retail sales indicator held firm at a 0.4% increase month-over-month, matching the growth observed in October 2025.
This plateau in retail sales may suggest a temporary stabilization in consumer purchasing behavior heading into the holiday season. Analysts had been closely watching these numbers for signs of economic momentum or slowdowns, given the various economic fluctuations experienced throughout 2025.
While some economists had predicted a potential uptick spurred by seasonal spending, these expectations were not met, indicating that consumer expenditure tendencies remained consistent. The unchanged rate could reflect underlying market dynamics that continue to face varying economic pressures. Observers will be keen on interpreting these trends to understand the broader implications for the U.S. economy as 2026 progresses.
